Adult Judaism at Ramat Shalom

Last week’s message highlighted many of the programs that will make up this year’s iServe (9th-12th grade) program. Lots of you responded to this message, letting me know how happy you are that our teens will be engaged in timely, meaningful discussions and events. We’re pretty excited to begin iServe! You’ll be happy to know that our iServe students will be leading our Avodah and Martyrology Services on Yom Kippur – so you’ll get a chance to see them in action.

As we get ready to begin a new year at the Synagogue, I want to let you know that there will also be many timely, meaningful discussions and events for the grown-ups at Ramat Shalom! Below, please find some examples of the “Adult Judaism” you can look forward to. I’ll be teaching many of the classes listed below and am excited to be welcoming many special guest teachers as well.

I’m looking forward to all of these programs and so much more (including the Sisterhood, Rosh Chodesh, Meditation, HaBimah, Choir, Men’s Events and Hillary Tescher’s monthly class)!

Adult Judaism @ Ramat Shalom

2017-2018 Highlights

For more information on each of these events, please check your email and/or call Diane in the office at 954-472-3600!

Pre-High Holiday Book Club: A Man Called Ove

Wednesday, August 30 – 7:00pm-9:00pm

In preparation for the personal growth that the High Holidays encourage us to embrace, we’ll be discussing Fredrik Backman’s A Man Called Ove. The novel reminds us of the power that our past has to define who we are today. At the same time, Ove teaches us that the present can radically change who we will be tomorrow.

Getting High Off The High Holidays

Sunday, September 17 – 9:30am-11:30am

Learn how to turn Rosh HaShanah into a real spiritual trip.

The Rabbi’s Study Group

Tuesdays from Noon-1:00pm – Beginning October 3

We will be taking a “Jewish dive” into the New Testament this year.

Sippin’ In The Sukkah

Wednesday, October 4 – 7:30pm-9:00pm

Welcome Sukkot with this special “adult evening” with etrog martinis and a concert featuring Cantor Debbie.

The Science of Happiness

Wednesday, October 11 – 7:00pm-9:00pm

Sukkot is the Jewish season of happiness. How does Judaism define happiness? And how can science empower us to be happier? Join me and Dr. Neal Mayerson, the founder of the VIA Institute on Character and a nationally recognized expert in the field of Positive Psychology.

Spiritual Retreat

Saturday, October 28 – Sunday, October 29 at Embassy Suites in Deerfield Beach

We’ll be focusing on select sections of the Torah throughout the year.

A Quick Crash Course in Jewish History

Sunday, November 12 – 9:30am-11:30am

From Abraham and Sarah to today. More than 4,000 years of history in two hours. We can do it!

Baby Boomers’ Shabbat Supper Club #1

Friday, December 1 – 7:30pm-9:00pm

Welcome Shabbat with fellow Ramat Shalomniks as we enjoy a delicious dinner at a great local restaurant.

A Pastor, A Priest & A Rabbi Walk Into A Bar

Wednesday, December 6 – 7:00pm-9:00pm

A live episode of the documentary that Rabbi Andrew has been working on with his colleagues, Pastor Troy Gramling and Father Albert Cutie. Bring your questions and be prepared for a lively discussion!

Judaism’s Holy Sparks: An Exploration Of Jewish Mysticism

Sunday, January 21 – 9:30am-11:30am

Come and explore the beauty and power of Kabbalah! A great learning opportunity for those who have no experience with Jewish mysticism and those who have studied Kabbalah before.

Tu B’Shevat On The High Seas

Wednesday, January 31 – 7:00pm-9:00pm

An elegant evening at sea in celebration of the Jewish environmental holiday of Tu B’Shevat. We’ll be joined by a local environmental expert who will speak with us about specific challenges facing South Florida.

Jewish Cooking with Rabbi Fredi Cooper

Sunday, February 4 – 9:30am-11:30am

Did you ever wonder why your family cooks the Jewish food it does? Join my friend and colleague, Rabbi Fredi Cooper, as she explores the history of Jewish food and the reasons that we make the things we do when we do! We’ll have a chance to prepare one of these foods and we’ll share family traditions and family recipes as well.

The Times Of Harvey Milk

Wednesday, February 7 – 7:00pm-9:30pm

Join us for a screening of The Times of Harvey Milk and a discussion with Miriam Richter, Education Director and Counsel for the Harvey Milk Foundation. Harvey was a visionary civil and human rights leader who became one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States. Harvey came from a small middle-class Jewish family that had founded a Jewish synagogue and was well known in the New York “Litvaks” community for their civic engagement. The Harvey Milk Foundation is dedicated to realizing Harvey’s vision of equality and authenticity for everyone, everywhere.

Baby Boomers’ Shabbat Supper Club #2

Friday, February 16 – 7:30pm-9:00pm

Welcome Shabbat with fellow Ramat Shalomniks as we enjoy another delicious dinner at another great, local restaurant.

Purim Palooza Returns!

Wednesday, February 28 – 7:00pm-9:30pm

Our hilarious “grown-up celebration” of Purim returns with a new spiel, great hamantaschen and lots of laughs.

Pre-Passover Book Club: Hillbilly Elegy

Sunday, March 18 – 9:30am-11:30am

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis, by J.D. Vance, is a controversial,New York Times best-seller that sheds light on the world the author grew up in, exploring how social policies and other factors affect some of the poorest communities in the U.S. As we approach Passover, the holiday where we remember the extreme challenges our ancestors lived through, Hillbilly Elegy will allow us to explore extreme challenges some of our fellow Americans wrestle with today.

Yom HaShoah (Holocaust): Survivors Share Their Stories

Sunday, April 8 – 9:00am-11:30am

An incredible opportunity to learn directly from survivors of the Holocaust. This will be a powerful morning.

Yom HaShoah Memorial Service & Discussion

Wednesday, April 11 – 7:00pm-9:00pm

Join us as we remember the 6,000,000 Jews who lost their lives in the Holocaust. Our own member, Glenn Parish, will lead an important discussion following our memorial.

Why & How People Hate Israel & What We Can Do About It

Wednesday, April 25 – 7:00pm-9:00pm

A powerful program that will bring together adults and high school students to discuss some of the challenges facing Israel right here in South Florida, across the country and all over the world.

Shavuot Cheese Tasting

Sunday, May 20 – 4:30pm-6:00pm

On Shavuot, we eat dairy products. This year, we’re not going to limit our dairy selections to cheesecake and ice cream! We’re hosting a cheese tasting. Come learn about and taste select cheeses as we celebrate Shavuot together.

1 Comment

I am so grateful to be a Shalomnik for three decades. I have never walked in our doors without being greeted with enthusiasm and kindness. I never leave without feeling uplifted, comforted, wiser and knowing I just left my happy place.